SIDS Global Business Network Forum 2026 Opens in Maldives and Launches Island Investment Forum to Accelerate Partnerships and Investment for Small Island Developing States

Malé, Maldives, 23 August 2026

The 2026 Small Island Developing States Global Business Network Forum opened today in Malé, bringing together Governments, businesses, investors and development partners to advance partnerships and investment for island economies.

Hosted by the Government of the Maldives in partnership with the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, the Forum runs from 23 to 25 August under the theme "Innovative and Inclusive Partnerships for a Sustainable and Resilient Future."

The Forum brings together government leaders, investors, businesses, entrepreneurs, development partners, financial institutions, civil society, academia and other stakeholders to advance sustainable development across Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

The Forum serves as a platform for turning the ambitions of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS) into practical action by connecting SIDS priorities, enterprises and investment opportunities with strategic partners and investors. The event also marks the launch of the Island Investment Forum under the SIDS Centre of Excellence, creating a dedicated mechanism to increase the visibility of bankable projects, facilitate investor engagement and strengthen follow through on investment opportunities emerging from island economies.

Small Island Developing States continue to demonstrate leadership, resilience and innovation despite facing significant challenges, including climate change, economic vulnerabilities, high transaction costs and limited access to finance. The Forum responds to the growing need for stronger partnerships and increased private-sector engagement by providing a space where governments, investors, entrepreneurs and development partners can identify solutions, forge collaborations and advance investment-ready projects.

Over two and a half days, participants will engage in high-level dialogues, investment showcases, networking opportunities, business-to-government meetings, an MSME marketplace and deal rooms designed to promote concrete outcomes and actionable partnerships. Discussions will focus on areas critical to resilient island economies, including digitalization and artificial intelligence, resilient tourism, renewable energy, MSME development, innovative financing and sustainable economic transformation.

Rabab Fatima, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, said:

"The Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS provides a bold blueprint for sustainable and resilient prosperity, but its success will depend on our collective ability to mobilize resources, partnerships and investment. The SIDS Global Business Network Forum and the launch of the Island Investment Forum represent an important step toward translating commitments into concrete opportunities actions for SIDS businesses, entrepreneurs and communities. By bringing together governments, investors, development partners and the private sector, we aim to create lasting partnerships that help unlock finance, scale innovation and accelerate sustainable development across island nations."

Echoing the Forum's focus on turning commitments into action, Her Excellency Iruthisham Adam, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, highlighted the importance of collaboration and shared action among island nations and their partners, as well as the need to create opportunities that deliver tangible benefits for SIDS communities and economies:

"The Maldives is honoured to host the SIDS Global Business Network Forum and the Island Investment Forum this year, at a time when SIDS need stronger partnerships. Our aim is for this Forum to create a space where the priorities and potential of SIDS are recognised, and where meaningful connections can lead to new opportunities and practical outcomes. Our own experience has shown us the transformative power of collaboration, and we look forward to sharing those lessons."

Building on this call for stronger partnerships, H.E. Dr. W. Aubrey Webson, Permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nations, emphasized the importance of translating the commitments of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS into practical investment opportunities and sustainable development outcomes through enhanced engagement with investors, businesses and development partners:

"The launch of the Island Investment Forum represents an important step in translating the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS from ambition into action. The Forum provides a practical platform for SIDS to connect investment-ready opportunities with investors, businesses and development partners, while strengthening the partnerships needed to build resilient and sustainable island economies. We are pleased to see this mechanism established through the SIDS Centre of Excellence and look forward to working with partners to ensure that the momentum generated here in the Maldives leads to tangible investment and development outcomes for SIDS."

Expected outcomes of the Forum include increased visibility for SIDS enterprises and investment opportunities, stronger engagement between governments and private-sector actors, identification of new partnership and investment leads, and greater momentum for the implementation of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda through practical, investment-focused collaboration. Particular attention will be given to supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), including women-led and youth-led businesses, as drivers of inclusive and sustainable growth.

Media Contact:

• Ms. May Yaacoub, Head of Advocacy and Outreach| UN-OHRLLS | [email protected]

• Mr. Mohamed Ithof Ali, Deputy Desk Officer| Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives| [email protected]

• Mrs. Andrena Athill-Dasouza, Communications Lead| SIDS Center of Excellence| [email protected]